Jim Abbott Top 10 Moments: No. 3 - Abbott Heads to the Hall of Fame
4/16/2009 12:00:00 AM | Baseball
On April 18, 2009, former U-M baseball great Jim Abbott (1986-88) will have his number retired in a ceremony prior to U-M's 1:05 p.m. contest with Michigan State. During his time in Ann Arbor, Jim made a lasting impression on his teammates, the community and the entire baseball world.
In honor of Jim's legacy, resident Michigan baseball historian Jim Schneider has constructed the top 10 moments in the collegiate career of Jim Abbott. Each day leading up to the jersey retirement, MGoBlue.com will unveil another great moment, along with commentary from Jim himself, culminating in the No. 1 moment of all-time to be unveiled the morning of the April 18th ceremony.
Number 3 -- Abbott Heads to the Hall of Fame
Nearly 20 years after he last threw a pitch for the University of Michigan, Jim Abbott received word that he was a member of a very special baseball fraternity. Ranking No. 3 on the top 10 list of Jim Abbott's Michigan career is his 2007 induction to the College Baseball Hall of Fame.
The Moment as described by Jim Schneider ...
As described in all the previous moments, Jim put together a pretty impressive resume while at Michigan. In 2007, the College Baseball Hall of Fame came calling, inducting Jim as part of just the second-ever induction class, which speaks volumes to his college career.
Jim Abbott on Moment No. 3 ...
"The College Baseball Hall of Fame is almost unimaginable when I think back to growing up in Flint. My baseball career seemed as though it was full of so many ups and downs. There were great times and also some very difficult struggles. When you are elected to a Hall of Fame, it makes it seem so glamorous and easy, but it sure never felt that way to me."
• Number 4 -- Abbott Wins Golden Spikes Award
• Number 5 -- Abbott Takes Home Sullivan Award
• Number 6 -- Abbott Rakes in the Hardware in 1988
• Number 7 -- Abbott's Michigan Accolades
• Number 8 -- Abbott Earns Win in Title Game
• Number 9 -- Abbott Shares a No-Hitter
• Number 10 -- Abbott's First Career Win
